Q:
Are there small violins for small children?
A: Yes, there are. Violins come in many sizes, from 1/16 up
to full size. Very small violins produce very poor sound,
however, so starting on a ¼ size instrument is often
more satisfactory. You can tell the size of violin children
should be playing by either tucking the body under the arm
or under the chin and seeing that they can comfortably curl
their fingers around the scroll. Changing up to the largest
size that children can handle comfortably is recommended because
the larger the instrument is, the better the tone that it
can produce.
Q: Is learning to play the violin very expensive?
A: In the early stages it really doesn’t have to be.
Local teachers charge very reasonable rates and small violins
can be either rented or bought second hand and traded in for
other second hand instruments when the child grows big enough
to justify it. Buying and trading is usually less expensive.
Second hand instruments can usually be made to sound good
and maintained at very little expense. Only when children
are ready for a full size instrument is it likely to be a
bit more costly, but by then children’s progress or
lack of it will allow them to decide whether they want to
go on and parents to determine whether the outlay for their
child’s talent is really worthwhile.
Q:
Why are some violins worth a fortune and others have little
value?
A: Violins that cost a lot are usually hand-made. Old hand-made
violins in good condition tend to cost more than new. Violins
that cost very little are usually factory-made. With factory-made
instruments, age is not an important consideration.
Q:
How much do hand-made instruments cost?
A: Instruments created by well-known makers before 1800 can
fetch anything from $25,000 to a million or more. Those by
less well-known makers and those over 50 years old often fetch
from $10,000 - $25,000. Older violins, sometimes called “heritage
instruments” are expensive because they are valued by
both collectors and players. Good factory-made violins sell
for $1000 or less.
